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Publisher's Summary

Richard Dawkins was recently voted one of the world's top three intellectuals (alongside Umberto Eco and Noam Chomsky) by Prospect magazine. As the author of many classic works on science and philosophy, he has always asserted the irrationality of belief in God and the grievous harm it has inflicted on society. He now focuses his fierce intellect exclusively on this subject, denouncing its faulty logic and the suffering it causes.

While Europe is becoming increasingly secularized, the rise of religious fundamentalism, whether in the Middle East or Middle America, is dramatically and dangerously dividing opinion around the world. In America and elsewhere, a vigorous dispute between "intelligent design" and Darwinism is seriously undermining and restricting the teaching of science. In many countries religious dogma from medieval times still serves to abuse basic human rights, such as those of women and gay people � and all from a belief in a God whose existence lacks evidence of any kind.

Dawkins attacks God in all his forms, from the sex-obsessed, cruel tyrant of the Old Testament to the more benign, but still illogical, Celestial Watchmaker favoured by some Enlightenment thinkers. He eviscerates the major arguments for religion and demonstrates the ultimate improbability of a supreme being. He shows how religion fuels war, foments bigotry and abuses children. In The God Delusion, Dawkins presents a hard-hitting, impassioned rebuttal of religion of all types and does so in the lucid, witty and powerful language for which he is renowned. It is a brilliantly argued, fascinating polemic that will be required listening for anyone interested in this most emotional and important subject.

I loved the arguments, the thoroughness with which Richard Dawkins approaches the religion and 'god' debate and the language that draws you in. I also loved the readers both Richard and Lalla, they showed excellent inflection and are very engaging in their reading.

What was the most compelling aspect of this narrative?

bible references are really creepy, the argument for 'being good because of god', arguments for/against god and religion, the issue of children's brainwashing.. everything was great really

What does Richard Dawkins and Lalla Ward bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

their emotions and passion for the subject, I have more of Richard Dawkins books but this is the first one i listened to, i'm now hooked. am buying more audio books read by him. He's a real presenter, it's a pleasure listening to Richard and Lalla.

If you could give The God Delusion a new subtitle, what would it be?

What you must consider if you want to talk or think about religion and god.

This book is fantastic, and outlines some of the most interesting points of the debate on theism. Dawkins has written a brilliant book, and he and Lalla Ward have read it here really well. I was drawn in at every turn, and I'd gladly listen to this more than once.

When I first downloaded this version, I didn't realise it was abridged, so I'm not sure how much of the unabridged version we're missing here. Nevertheless as it stands here, this book is a really great listen, and I'd highly recommend it to anyone.

This is a great book, worthy of all the praise it gets.
The audio book's not available in Italy, where I live and I had to buy a hard copy in Britain. Makes you wonder, doesn't it? Running scared, are they? So they should be.
As Dawkins so rightly points out, so many religious people haven't even read their own religion's 'sacred' texts and don't even understand their religion in the slightest and, indeed, have never questioned it, but merely follow theocratic dogma blindly.
I urge everyone to read, or listen to, this book. It will, at the very least, make religious people examine themselves and their religion and will help atheists and would-be atheists understand just how very dangerous religion, and especially blind faith, really are and how all our lives are affected negatively by religion and ?faith-heads? on a daily basis.
I congratulate and thank Richard Dawkins.

15 of 20 people found this review helpful

Robert

BournemouthUnited Kingdom

6/25/07

Overall

"good for dawkins"

its an excellent book, i only wish more people would read it, maybe the world would be a better place. he has one of those very listenable voices too. I hope they put the rest of his work onto audio books.

6 of 8 people found this review helpful

Robert

Glasgow, United Kingdom

8/18/11

Overall

"Why bring out the abridged version first!!"

Oh dear! Now dont get me wrong I really liked this book have listened to it multiple times, but am sad to see that the full audio book is now available on audible over one year after I purchased the original abridged book. If I had known this I would have waited for the full version which is 3 hours longer. I will now have to re-purchase the book to listen to the extra 3 hours missing. :-( feel as though I've wasted an audible credit.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Neil

St. Helens, Tasmania

12/23/09

Overall

"Enjoy your life as the fantastic person you are !!"

What a scholarly work this is !! What a joy to hear Richard's dulcet tones soothe away the unbridled fear and angst that goes with worrying about whether Mr. God is angry at your feelings or thoughts. How wonderful to listen to a gentle voice of reason explain that, as a human being you are entirely responsible for your own actions, and that there is no pretend person judging your every thought, waiting to pounce and brutally punish you endlessly for all eternity, should you transgress outdated Bronze Age laws or taboos. Worry no more about whether you are worshipping in the "one true, God approved" flavour of your chosen or inherited faith. Richard gives you the tools to realise that every human is so much more than a pawn in a pointless game of supernatural chess.
All people interested in religion whether believers, agnostic or athiest should listen to this book and honestly, openly ask themselves some very pertinent, searching questions !!
A fantastic achievement that transforms the whole idea of religion into an easy to digest laxative, so that you may flush all of it out from your system (and without the need for self flagellation)!!.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Kindle Customer

Edgware, middlesex United Kingdom

4/26/09

Overall

"Great read"

I loved this book, everyone can see where religion is taking us, and it's not a good place, this book helps sort out where we should be going with science rather than dogma. I read one review put on this site and just felt I had to answer, if the reviewer had actually read and digested this book then the reviewer would not be quite as blinded as they are. In a nutshell, if you want to definately win an argument against a religious fanatic, then this is the book for you, of course the fanatic won't let you win as they tend not to listen, but hey, you tried.

3 of 4 people found this review helpful

G-Man

London

9/23/16

Overall

Performance

Story

"Dawkins being Dawkins."

If you love Dawkins you'll love this. The same wonderful logic and unashamedly put together science, thoughts, insights and perspective.

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Glyn

UK

6/10/16

Overall

Performance

Story

"Thought-provoking!"

Wow, just wow. This is my first audio book purchased . I wanted to read this book for a while but never found the time. However, after having a long commute I decided to make use of the silence and listen to the God Delusion. It's one of the most eye-opening, thought provoking books i've ever had the privilege to listen to. The only problem I have now will be the standards this sets for the other audiobooks I haven't yet listen to!

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

James

5/11/16

Overall

Performance

Story

"Ripped the Bible apart"

This book does a wonderful job of ripping the idea and concept of religion apart. A must read for anyone who doubts religion or is curious about humanities future and our understanding of belief.

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

steven

3/13/13

Overall

"The Scientific Argument"

This is the classic work on the justification of the atheist point of view. Dawkins, one of the most respected biologists in the world, mounts a scathing attack on religion. Although he dismisses the fundamentals of all religious beliefs with the same argument, he gets particularly nasty with Christianity (and Judaism) because he is most familiar with these sets of beliefs. He systematically deals with each known argument raised by theists, creationists, agnostics etc and argues very cogently about the gaping holes in their arguments. Although he does sometimes get emotional he rarely strays away from his core tenet: that religion (in any manifestation) is not defensible from evidence or logic and can only survive by asking its believers to surrender rational thinking and scientific evidence - which characteristics he believes defines humanity. He is particularly angry that religions revert to subversive means in order to survive: they get their "victims" young when they are vulnerable and unable to defy the insistence of their parents or teachers. He uses many interesting historical facts and scientific illustrations to back his argument, as well as some really frightening quotes from religious leaders. Written in 2006 it makes for compelling reading, no matter what your belief system comprises. Great narrator too. Highly recommended (and quite quick to read actually).

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Matthew

London, United Kingdom

6/7/11

Overall

"Just brilliant."

Dawkins brings a great perspective to his the world of religion.
He is passionate, articulate, and easy to listen to. His passion can be slightly over bearing at times, but overall this is a great 'read' and a must for all.

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

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